Wasp Stings

A sting by a social or common wasp (also known as a yellow jacket) is a painful experience. It can be very upsetting and frightening for young children.

Wasp stings may even be life threatening to people allergic to the poison in stings. This allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis.

People who have been stung several times previously and have become sensitised are more likely to suffer this systemic reaction.

The good news is that this type of allergic reaction is rare and it is even rarer for it to be fatal.

Preventing Wasp Stings

A wasp sting is a form of defence. If wasps feel threatened or if their nest is disturbed it makes them very aggressive and provokes them to sting.

In spring wasps hunt aphids, greenfly and other insects to feed grubs in the nest. At this time wasps will only become aggressive if they think their nest or their young are under threat.

Tips to Avoid Stings

In late summer/autumn wasps have no young to feed so get no sugary secretion. This is when they seek fermenting fruit and sweet things and become more of a pest at picnics, barbecues and outdoor meals in general.

Luckily there are some easy, practical things you can do yourself to try and avoid being stung.

Do not panic - If you find there are wasps nearby keep calm and move slowly away.

Do not scream, flap your arms or swat them -
This will just agitate them and make them more aggressive.